MARAMAG, Bukidnon – To provide Accessible, Available, and Accurate (3As) solutions for soil health management and crop productivity improvement in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management’s National Soil Health Program in partnership with the Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL), debuted its Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL) deployment on October 17

This initiative seeks to bring soil analysis closer to the field, addressing specific soil needs and conditions to guide farmers in applying the right kind and amount of fertilizer at the most optimal time.

The MSL deployment embodies the DA-10’s commitment to champion innovative agri-technology, ensuring fertile lands, abundant harvests, and empowered farmers.

To foster the farmers’ knowledge on alternative soil sampling, they were engaged in a hands-on demonstration, allowing them to learn practical techniques and acquire the capability to analyze and interpret their own soil samples independently.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan emphasized the vital role of the Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL) in addressing the needs of farmers in managing their soils effectively. “We hope that this MSL will help our farmers better understand the condition of their soils and guide them in applying the right kind and amount of fertilizer based on scientific analysis.”

“With the cooperation of the Municipal Agriculture Offices in strategically collecting soil samples, a soil fertility map can be developed to determine the appropriate fertilizer for each crop and area, leading to more productive and sustainable farming practices,” he added.

Helen J. Celesta, Communications Relations Officer of the Patag Coroña Irrigators Association, expressed her gratitude for being among the first farmers in Northern Mindanao to experience the Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL). She shared, “We are truly grateful to be given the opportunity to experience the MSL firsthand. It is a great privilege for us farmers to be taught how to analyze the condition of our own soils. Through this, we can identify the limitations of our soil parameters and take the necessary actions to improve our farm productivity.”

The Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL) is set to travel across the cities and municipalities of Bukidnon to bring soil testing services closer to farmers, providing them with accurate soil data as a basis for making informed decisions for improved crop productivity and sustainable land use.

Moving forward, the DA-10 is planning to establish a system for proper and real-time reporting of soil analysis results, enabling the immediate generation of fertilizer management and recommendations.

This effort supports the broader development agenda for inclusive economic and social transformation under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through strengthened and technology-enabled agricultural services that empower Filipino farmers. (pr)